AVALIAÇÃO DO MICROAMBIENTE ALIMENTAR EM ESTABELECIMENTOS FORNECEDORES DE ALIMENTOS EM UM MUNICÍPIO DO TRAIRÍ DO RIO GRANDE DO NORTE

Abstract

Introduction: People have started to consume more and more ready-to-eat foods and have reduced their consumption of fruit and vegetables; consequently, the prevalence of overweight has increased over the years, resulting in the development of chronic non-communicable diseases. This dietary transition process has been influenced by the food environment in which they are inserted. Objective: Accordingly, the study was intended to evaluate the food microenvironment in markets and restaurants in the city of Santa Cruz, Rio Grande do Norte. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional and descriptive research, with a quantitative approach, carried out in 60 commercial establishments supplying natural and processed foods and ready-to-eat meals. Questionnaires were applied, according to the classification of the type of establishment, to check the availability, variety, price and quality of natural and ultra-processed foods. Data tabulated in Microsoft Excel® 2013 underwent descriptive analysis.  Results: Most of the participating establishments were local or neighborhood markets, mostly located in the downtown. It was noted that the availability of fruits and vegetables is lower than the ultra-processed foods. All foods showed satisfactory quality, and the lowest prices for fruits were found in supermarkets and grocery stores, while vegetables were found in the street market. The fruits and vegetables had low prices and were of good quality, but the ultra-processed foods were more available than the healthy ones. Conclusions: Accordingly, the need for public policies to encourage the decentralization of the food trade and the incentive to sell healthier foods became evident.